The Van Gogh Museum is threatened with closure if the Dutch government does not increase its funding.

Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum needs more financial support from the Dutch government. The art institution's director, Emilie Gordenker, made this clear to The New York Times in an interview in which she outlined the need for renovations to the building, which will require it to close parts of it for three years.

Gordeneker pointed out that 85% of the Van Gogh Museum's funding is self-funded, so the lower the number of visitors—presumably in the event of a partial closure—the lower the revenue. Without financial support, the museum could have to close, Gordenker warned, since without the necessary renovations, "the safety of the collection, visitors, and employees can no longer be guaranteed." "It's the last thing we want, but if there's no other option, we'll have to close the building," he added.

The director revealed to the New York newspaper that the total cost of the renovation is estimated at €104 million. The institution receives €8.5 million in public funds annually, which Gordenker intends to increase to €11 million to cover expenses and avoid a deficit.

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Furthermore, the director cites a 1962 agreement with Vincent van Gogh's nephew, who ceded his uncle's paintings in exchange for a state commitment to build and maintain a museum where the collection would remain complete and on display forever. Gordenker believes this agreement obligates the government to meet the institution's needs.

The Van Gogh Museum opened in 1973, and the building is in urgent need of renovation, including to meet sustainability requirements.